Tashi Farmilo
Local Journalism Initiative
Published in the Pontiac Journal on December 3, 2025.
OUTAOUAIS – The Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation has filed parallel aboriginal title claims in Quebec and Ontario courts seeking recognition of unceded rights over large parts of the Ottawa River watershed, including L’Isle-aux-Allumettes and neighbouring islands in the MRC Pontiac. Hydro-Québec, the federal and provincial governments, and the National Capital Commission are among the defendants.
Chief Jean-Guy Whiteduck says the lawsuits reflect long-standing claims that the Algonquin Anishinabeg never ceded their traditional territory through treaty. “The British committed to settle this issue back in 1763,” he said, referencing the Royal Proclamation. “But that process never happened with us.” Whiteduck emphasized that while treaties were signed westward, no such agreements exist for the Algonquin territory straddling both sides of the Ottawa River
He described the claim as a necessary response to a historic failure of reconciliation. “We were allies of the French. When the British took over, they promised we would retain our rights, but over time, they weakened our position and imposed reserves without negotiation,” he said. “We’re not trying to push anyone out. We want to be partners in how the land is used and benefit from it too.”
Whiteduck pointed to dams and resource developments across traditional territory where Algonquin communities were never consulted. “Hydro-Québec built dams all along the river without our consent. We’ve been trying to negotiate with them, but they offer us a fraction of what they’ve given to other communities in similar situations.”
The legal strategy, he said, focuses on key parcels to prove Aboriginal title in
court. Strategic sites were chosen to establish precedent, not to interfere with
private ownership. “Our idea is not to take away land from fee-simple owners. That’s something that’s going to be settled politically between the governing parties.”
The Kitigan Zibi position is supported in a recent legal filing submitted to the Supreme Court of Canada, where the First Nation intervened in a separate title case. In that filing, Kitigan Zibi calls for court processes that prioritizes access to justice and avoid delays caused by overlapping claims and modern treaty politics.
Corey Spence, mayor of L’Isle-aux-Allumettes, confirmed the island is named in the claim, but noted it targets only Crown land. “At this stage, there’s no direct impact on residents, and services continue as normal,” he said. “We respect the rights of First Nations to pursue their claims through the courts and will keep our community informed.”
Hydro-Québec declined to comment, citing the ongoing legal proceedings. MNA André Fortin’s office said he was unavailable due to the return of the National Assembly. No response was received from federal MP Sophie Chatel by deadline.
Though no hearing dates have been set, the twin court filings mark a significant escalation in Kitigan Zibi’s efforts to assert title in Quebec and Ontario. Whiteduck acknowledges the process may take years but believes it’s vital. “We want our fair share; recognition of our place on this land and for development to happen in a way that respects sustainability and our rights.”
“This isn’t about division. It’s about recognition. If reconciliation is to mean
anything, it starts with acknowledging that the land we stand on was never
surrendered,” he concluded.